A cock is the male of any type of domestic fowl, and cockfighting is a blood sport in which two (or more) cocks are placed in a ring or confined area and encouraged to attack or fight each other. Cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia—but remains legal in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Although cockfighting is illegal in all states, the potential punishment for the crime varies from state to state. In thirteen states, a first offense charge of cockfighting is a misdemeanor—including Alabama, California, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia. But in California, Louisiana, and New Mexico, second, third, and subsequent offenses may be prosecuted as felonies.

And some states also prohibit possession of cockfighting tools (implements) such as a gaff or slasher; ownership and training of cocks for the purpose of cockfighting; and attending cockfighting events.
Cockfighting laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—and usually in the state’s penal or criminal code.

In Maryland, cockfighting is illegal and is considered a serious offense. The state's laws prohibit not only the act of cockfighting but also the possession of cockfighting implements, the ownership and training of cocks for fighting, and attendance at cockfighting events. These prohibitions are outlined in Maryland's criminal code. Specifically, under Maryland law, a person who organizes, conducts, or participates in cockfighting may face felony charges, which carry more severe penalties than misdemeanors. This reflects Maryland's strong stance against animal cruelty and its commitment to animal welfare. The exact penalties for violations of these laws can include fines, imprisonment, or both, and they may vary depending on the specifics of the offense, such as whether it is a first or subsequent violation.